Actor Parvati slam the inaction of the Government of Kerala on the findings of HEMA Committee
Actor Parvati Thiruvothu criticized the delay of the Kerala government in working on the HEMA committee report, which was presented five years ago. He called the lack of urgency, and pushed for overdose reforms in the Malayalam film industry.
In short
- Actor Parvati Question HEMA committee report delay in implementation
- She criticizes the Kerala government for a delay of five and a half years in action.
- Unheard reports of complainants untouched to pursue cases
Actor Parvati Thiruvothu has criticized the Government of Kerala, for prolonged inaction on the recommendations of the HeMA committee report, which was presented to address systemic issues in the Malayalam film industry five years ago.
In an Instagram story, Parvati directly questioned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the status of the committee’s suggestions. “Can we now focus on the real reason for the formation of this committee? Are policies putting policies to help make rules in the industry?” she wrote.
In a comment on the delay, he said, “There is no need to hurry as this report is only 5 and a half years old.”
Parvati’s comments come between local news reports, stating that the cases that investigate the Special Investigation Team (SIT) associated with the HEMA committee are preparing to close them. However, the SIT has not officially confirmed this and has not yet submitted its report to the court.
The SIT had earlier informed the court that some people who had recorded statements before the Hema panel were now reluctant to move forward with complaints. The court replied that there was no need to force anyone to continue and said that they should respond to the notice from the SIT if they choose not to make further statements.
Cinema Collective (WCC) member Bina Paul resonates concerns over the government’s inaction and reiterated that HEMA reports address more than personal complaints only.
“I think it should be understood that the HeMA committee report is not only about sexual harassment and if some people have decided not to move forward with cases, it makes sense, but there are many who are moving with it,” Paul said.
He said, “Many issues have come up in the report which are inadvertently in the industry. I think we would like to see those recommendations implementing those recommendations.”
Referring to the efforts of the state government to prepare a film policy, Paul admitted that the process had stopped. “This is definitely a slow process. There were many consultations, they met many people and we were also advised. We are definitely disappointed that it is taking a lot of time but we feel that it will happen. Unfortunately, the person who leads it passed away, so it is delayed.”
Despite the failures, Paul focused on some cultural progress. “There are definitely changes. Five years ago, no one was talking about women. Now at every level of the industry, at least there is a real interest to talk about it. It was an invisible issue so far. She has made recommendations and they are trying to apply as much as possible.”
Meanwhile, Parvati refused to comment further. “I don’t want to speak on it anymore,” he said.
